‘Fantastic’ Osimhen inspiring Nigeria despite one goal at Afcon, Peseiro says

Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro hailed Victor Osimhen’s performance as “fantastic” in the victory against Cameroon that saw the Super Eagles progress to 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals on Saturday.

Forward Ademola Lookman scored both goals in the 2-0 win against the Indomitable Lions in Abidjan to set up a meeting with Angola in the next round.

Osimhen has only scored once in Nigeria’s four games but laid on the first goal against Cameroon.

“He didn’t score but he had a fantastic game. It is not easy to stop that guy,” Portuguese coach Peseiro said.

“He created the first goal. He is fantastic for our team.”

The 25-year-old Osimhen was leading scorer in Serie A last season as Napoli won their first title since 1990 and was named African Footballer of the Year in December.

“Ask the opposition defenders how much they suffered,” Peseiro said of the striker’s pressing of the Cameroon defence, which allowed Osimhen to win the ball back before squaring for Lookman’s opener.

“Nobody can win a match alone, everybody has to play, but he is a good example.”